Vertical Sentiero Partigiano Diena

A vertical race on the paths of memory

The Vertical Sentiero Partigiano Diena is one of the most evocative events in the Pinerolo mountain running calendar. It takes place in Inverso Pinasca, a small town in the Chisone Valley in the province of Turin (Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont), and challenges runners with a short but ruthless vertical course: approximately 4.30 km with 750 meters of elevation gain, tackled as a time trial with staggered starts.

The race is more than just an athletic challenge: it runs along the Paolo Diena Partisan Trail, a path of remembrance that crosses the sites of the Resistance in these valleys. The route is named after Paolo Diena, a young medical student who abandoned his studies to join the partisan formations, putting his knowledge at the service of wounded fighters before falling under Nazi-fascist fire. Each edition thus becomes a small act of collective memory, a way to keep the bond between sport, territory, and history alive.

Part of the Circuito Vertical delle Valli

The Vertical Sentiero Partigiano Diena is part of the Circuito Vertical delle Valli, a series of vertical races organized by Crazy Vertical Sunsets in the valleys southwest of Turin (Chisone Valley, Germanasca Valley, and the Pinerolo area). The philosophy of the circuit is fast & light: run up to the summit as quickly as possible, then descend together while enjoying the view and the company. The events, often held on weekdays at sunset, have become a staple for local mountain enthusiasts.

A challenge for athletes and enthusiasts

With its elevation gain concentrated into just a few kilometers, the Vertical Diena rewards climbing specialists but remains accessible to anyone who loves to test themselves against the mountains. The natural setting of the Inverso Pinasca trails, amidst woods and glimpses of the valley, makes the effort an integral part of the experience. It is an event that perfectly captures the soul of the Pinerolo valleys: genuine, athletic, and deeply rooted in its history.